5 comments about The Doll House Decorator: The Complete Guide to Do-It-Yourself Furnishings for Dolls and Dollhouses.

1. I first got this book when I was 8 and still love it. Every time I look at it I find somthing new. It has very good instuctions and is good for all ages. All the projects are with very available, inexpensive things. I'm very happy I have this book and it is very fun to put into use.



2. I was 11 when I was given this book by my parents. That was all it took for me to become completely obsessed with creating these little worlds of tiny people. Granted, this isn't the most sophisticated of all books on the subject, but it is extremely accessible. Now, 14 years later, I still have most, if not all, of the furniture I made by using patterns from this book. The materials are inexpensive and very easy to find - on a child's allowance I was able to do a lot. This is still, hands down, my sentimental favorite.



3. I was disappointed over the quality of the minatures featured in this book. They seemed way too amateur-ish and uninventive. I feel the author could have tried a little harder in making more creative and sophisticated designs rather than boring, suburban-lazy type she displayed in this book. The designs reminded me of those ugly crocheted blankets you see in the typical housewife or granny's home. It's a great hobby with alot of potential; unfortunately, the only people who take it up have no sense whatsoever of aesthetics.

   The up side of this book is that it includes alot of color photos and detailed instructions, if you are inclined to make these dull pieces at home.




4. i found this book by chance in waldens. i have always had a fascination with miniatures and dollhouses, maybe because of my modest childhood. however, my interest in miniatures was sparked by the discovery of this book. boulton does an excellent job with explaining the miniture making process. as always, the DK company provides clear and colorful illustrations on making miniatures. i love this book and would recommend it to anyone who is an advanced miniaturist or novice.



5. My Mother gave her copy of the book to my granddaughter who is 8 yrs old. Now she can't wait to get home from school to work on her latest project for her dolls or doll house. Sometimes it is a Mother-Daughter project but not always.

3 comments about Plastic Culture: How Japanese Toys Conquered the World.

1. This is an amazing book! Eloquently written, with great insights into toys as a whole, this book gives a comprehensive overview of the emergence of designer vinyl. Great images!



2. All the cool pictures of toys I can't have are nice. But it's really better than all the other toy books becuase it explains all about toys and how come they are so cool. I know it was for adult level reader but I learned a lot that my friends don't know! It wasn't hard to read and I wish it was twice the size. My only problem is There was not enough Blythe information even though she's on the cover.



3. Ah, what a wonderful invention plastic is! Nearly limitless possibilities, able to be shaped into almost any form, take on any color, and endure across the centuries. As functional as it is fantastic. Of course, it was only a matter of time before artists took this malleable material into their capable hands, and created something that the inventors of the plastic would have never imagined. In this case, it is toys.
   
   "Plastic Culture: How Japanese Toys Conquered the World" supposes to tell the story of plastic, and its journey from function to fantastic, from commerce to art. Supposes to, because unfortunately the book seems to have fallen victim to a loss of focus, or possibly a conflict between writer and editor. Instead of this history of plastic, and their connection to Japanese culture, what the writer wanted to write about was an artistic movement called Urban Vinyl, originating in Hong Kong and then spreading to Japan and the US. That's his passion, and it shows.
   
   The first half of "Plastic Culture" is rough. It begins with a very brief history of plastic's invention, and its use in toys across the years. There is some brief connection with Japan, introducing the Kaiyodo model makers who perfected the garage kit. There is a half-hearted section on using toys for marketing purposes as mascots, mainly mentioning McDonalds Happy Meal toys and the Olympics. Trying to swing the story back to Japan, Sanrio is covered with their successful line of Hello Kitty figures and other characters. These articles are all short on text, and heavy on pictures, jumping rapidly from section to section without much logic or interest. Its pretty boring, and not very well researched. Then, on page 43, author Woodrow Pheonix begins the section on Urban Vinyl. And it all changes.
   
   The Urban Vinyl movement began in Hong Kong, with a couple of young talents started taking apart GI Joe figures and putting them back together street-style, dressed in the latest Hong Kong fashions and with an attitude that GI Joe never imagined. These two, Michael Lau and Eric So, exhibited their work at galleries, and inspired other artists to see toys as a medium of expression, rather than just playthings. The movement jumped across the water, to Japan with its ingrained toy culture, and then to the US underground comics scene, where artists like Dan Clowes ("Ghost World") and Archer Prewitt ("Sof' Boy") began teaming up with Asian designers to produce unique figures combining all of their talents and visions. Into this comes Takashi Murakami, famed for his Superflat exhibition and one of Japan's greatest modern artists, who sees the concept of creating original works of art in toys, rather than just reproducing existing works in plastic. Yoshitomo Nara, another prominent Japanese modern artist, follows suit. Its fascinating.
   
   If this book had been called "Urban Vinyl," and started with Lau and So in Hong Kong, then been given enough depth to explore the artistic movement completely, it would have been incredible. Woodrow Pheonix has a real passion for this movement, and a deep insight into what makes it tick and how the pieces fit together. His interviews with Murakami and Nara really made me reconsider the way I see toys, and it was great to here these two giants of modern art put forward such opposing yet complementary viewpoints on Urban Vinyl.
   
   But it wasn't, and so "Plastic Culture" is really only half a great book. That second half is really something, and worth picking up the book for. It makes me want to learn more about Urban Vinyl and hopefully someday Pheonix will get to write the book that he should have. I will be first in line to pick it up.

4 comments about Fifty Years of Collectible Fashion Jewelry 1925-1975.

1. I was really disappointed I spent the money on this book. All the price references are in the back, which means taking more time to find them when doing research. I rarely use it.



2. The value in this book is definitely for the beginner jewelry collector. Many jeweler names are mentioned, with colored pictures of some of their designs. This book is a good springboard for further detailed research by jeweler name recognition. The book also holds value for crafters, there are many excellent colored photographs, of unique designs. The book I purchased did have updated prices to 2001. I could not use this book to value any of my pieces except one, and that was worth the price of the book, because I undervalued the beads, shown in the piece.
   I would not overpay for this book, at a good deal, add this book to your order. Probably best as a library reference book. Quick read. Value is in jeweler name recognition, list, and for jeweler craft ideas.
   I have many vintage family pieces that I have no information on identifying from this book, and I don't think this book would aid me in collecting either. I think the prices shown are rather low.
   Mistreglo



3. I started collecting vintage jewelry about five years ago and I had no idea what I was doing. This book really helped me identify a variety of items and their value. Pamela D. Blair, Author The Next Fifty Years: A Guide for Women at Mid-Life And Beyond



4. This book was very informative. It gave the information I needed about some collectible jewelry I am accumulating. It gives a more in-depth history of the manufacturing of many collectible brands than other books I have seen. I would highly recommend this book for vintage jewelry collectors.

5 comments about Jewelry & Gems the Buying Guide: How to Buy Diamonds, Pearls, Colored Gemstones, Gold & Jewelry With Confidence And Knowledge (Jewelry and Gems the Buying Guide).

1. This is a nice book. If you are looking for a good breakdown on what to look for when buying you may find it here. It talks about many types of stones and jewelry, but not enough in some areas.



2. Excellent! This is hands down the best book on the market for the beginning gemstone buyer.



3. If you are buying jewelry/gems for any occasion and don't exactly know what you are doing, this book is a great start. The section on colored gemstones was particularly helpful, as it is harder to find good information on them. The book is definitely a keeper as it can be used for many different purchases.



4. A friend recommended this book and I'm so glad she did! So informative and easy to understand--even for a novice like me! I now have more confidence when I buy jewelry and know what questions to ask a jeweler before I decide to buy. Great book!



5. With the help, guidelines and information from this incredible book I finally felt I could shop for jewelry with confidence and a "sense of experience".

2 comments about Scott 2007 Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue: Countries of the World So-z (Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue Vol 6 So-Z).

1. 
   I really like all of the color photographs of the stamps and how the series are grouped together. It makes it easy to find the stamps and country you are looking for.



2. Any one who has ever thought of collecting stamps in the US, is familiar with the Scott stamp catalogs, the backbone of the collectors world. Yeah, they're a bit pricy, but then look at the work that has gone and continues to go into them! NEW for 2007.....COLOR!!!!! OMG!!!!! Most of the illustrations are now in COLOR!!!!!
   
   I am in the process of inventorying my Grandfather's massive stamp horde to try and sell it off. At ChicagoPex this year, I was drooling over the new catalogs, mumbling something about "color......". My sister wasn't overly impressed with the concept (she's since changed her mind!) and balked at spending that much money for a new set of catalogs. We've been working out of a 1999 set.
   
   Needless to say, I won! Hallelujah! Especially for the "not so informed" or anyone with not so good eyesight, the color makes a HUGE difference! It is SO much easier to find a stamp that you're looking for! I can not thank Scott enough for their huge effort in rescanning every single stamp in existence (that they could get their hands on).
   
   Bottom line......if you're thinking about it, but doing the "well, my catalogs aren't that old yet" or "boy, that's a lot of money to shell out", my advise is BUY THEM!

2 comments about Anime Figures: Tokyo's Hottest 50 Anime Figurines.

1. This is a small book. It measures only 6 x 8 1/2 inches. It also clearly states that there are 50 figures but I only count 45! There is a picture on the front (the small one on the bottom in the middle) of a figure that is not anywhere to be found inside the book! Very misleading. Comes in a cool slip case though.



2. Although I personally never owned a Japanese anime PVC, I've seen them so many times in Akihabara, sold at anime conventions and I can see why otaku really go for them.
   
   These PVC action figures feature anime characters in the sexiest and seductive pose, really good craftmanship and a keen sense of detail on umm...certain body parts. These figurines are the ultimate in fan service but the chance to own them is a collector's dream.
   
   The book features two pages with photos of Tokyo's hottest 50 figurines. Americans will no doubt know Amane Misa of "Death Note", Belldandy of "Ah! My Goddess", Ayanami Rei of "Evangelion" and video game fans who may know Tojo Mitsuru of "Persona 3 and Shieri and Shion of the popular "Melty Blood" series.
   
   The photos by Shimono Yoshio really capture the craftmanship of the figurines. The sculpting are very well done and one thing that these PVC's sure do emphasize a lot are on the female character's breasts and nipples sticking out through their clothing. Also, the fan service of a anime girl with her skirt flowing in the wind and a peek at her underpants.
   
   It's quite perverted if you think about it, especially if you are not into figurines.
   
   But for toy collectors in America who like detail for "Star Wars" figures, especially that Slave Leia and Scarlett or Baroness of GI Joe and how their curvatures are shown and give them a slight fan service, the Japanese figurines make sure that the otaku gets their money worth.
   
   One PVC featuring Shion of "Melty Blood", is shown on all fours in her school girl outfit (maybe looking for something she lost in the ground) and of course, fan service giving a sneak peak of her rear end.
   
   The creator of the model made sure that the curves were well done, especially the lines from her umm..panty region. And Shimono made sure the lighting was perfect to create the shadowing in his photos.
   
   The most jawdropping figure was of an original character named Aizawa Sanae dressed in a cow-like cosplay with a cowbell around her neck ala choker but no bra and the detail in the breast area, the creators went all out in making sure everything looked realistic in a fantasy sense. The figure just screams "Got milk?"
   
   By saying that, by no means is this book for the kiddies. The book and it's slip case cover have a big red words in the back that say "Contains PVC Nudity".
   
   Also, I have seen these figures from Akihabara blogs and I can definitely understand why these figurines are attractive to the consumer.
   
   These figures scream to the otaku... "Buy Me"!
   
   So, if you have any remote interest in PVC figurine collecting especially for video game and anime characters, this book is definitely for you.

5 comments about Titanic: Fortune and Fate : Letters, Mementos, and Personal Effects from Those Who Sailed on the Lost Ship.

1. seeing personal items that belong to people who lost their life in such a tragic way,really touch my heart.we sometime forget they were just people like us.who had dreams and families.



2. This book is great for a quick read on the Titanic. The pictures are wonderful and filled with interesting captions. Also, there are brief anecdotes, such as the story behind Mr. Astor's watch. The book discreetly handles such a terrible human tragedy.



3. This is one of the best White Star Line Titanic books I own. As a Titaniac I find the pages of this book to be seen many, many times. Having been to the touring exhibit in Norfolk, and the exhibit at The Mariners Museum I appreciated the effort. This would make one want to visit The Orlando, FL musuem instead of those other things like Universal, or Disney World. Any Titanic, Olympic, or Britannic enthusiast would love this book to add to his/her collection.



4. There isn't much to say about the amazing book exept that throught the words and photos of the passangers' letters, diaries, quotes, tickets, staterooms, clothing, ect.; you get an exellent feeling of who was on the Titanic, not just a group as a whole, but you begin to know them as individuals.
   Believe me, this "Fortune" is one exellent investment!!![...]



5. This book must adorn your bookshelf if you are a serious Titanic fan. The book contains everything from a complete passenger list, tantilizing facts and amazing pictures of artifacts that will make any "Titanic-maniac" feel like they're owning the real thing!

   As you read the book, you can't help but feel as though you've been transported back to 1912 and feel a part of history...

   This book is definately a keeper, Good Work!

2 comments about Fishing Lure Collectibles: An Encyclopedia of the Early Years, 1840 to 1940.

1. Another lure book, if you like fishing (or even better if you are an addict like me) you will find this book interesting. It will send you to sleep if you don't like fishing or the history associated with the ways and means of catching fish. Like other companion books, these are beautifully presented with nice photo's and informative text. Sorry I haven't done a book review since high school.



2. Any collector interested in antique fishing lures and the history of fishing lure production will find all the answers in Fishing Lure Collectibles, a clear guide to a notoriously difficult collecting hobby focus. Two experts provide clear details in Fishing Lure Collectibles: An Encyclopedia of the Early Years, 1840 to 1940. Each manufacturer's items are surveyed along with history, individuals who purchased patent rights from companies, changes in bait quality and production standards, and more. Not to be missed.
   
   Diane C. Donovan
   California Bookwatch

No comments about Fenton Glass: Warman's Companion (A Warman's Companion).

2 comments about Aurora Slot Cars (Schiffer Book for Collectors).

1. This book delivers exactly what it promised. It could have a little bit more information since it was similar to a reproduction with updates of a book from the 70s.



2. I use to buy all the Graham's books and I'm always very satisfied. Great pictures,many interesting details about the firm and the models,so I can state that he is the best writer of models book and this book too desereve great interest from ani model collector.
   Roberto Ruggeri